as in to kill time
to spend time doing nothing
returned home unannounced and found the au pair goofing off
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goof-off
Noun
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In The Big Lebowski, thugs mistake the titular slacker (Bridges) for the wealthy Jeffrey Lebowski, sending him on a wild investigation with his pal Walter (John Goodman) into a ransom plot involving Lebowski’s young wife (Tara Reid).—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
8 Oct. 2025 -
Since signing to Matador, the band has sharpened its sound into a quirky, exhilarated alt-pop, too uncanny to be dance-punk and too lively to be slacker rock.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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As a chef’s kiss, Manning plays for Texas, a yearslong egocentric underachiever that plenty of college football fans love to hate.—
Blake Toppmeyer,
USA TODAY,
9 Oct. 2025
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Trigg was labeled as an underachiever by scouts as an underclassman and is still proving himself in several areas (on and off the field), but his talent is undeniable and improved consistency in 2025 will help suppress any concerns.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This is something Kang was championing — badass characters who also veg out on the couch without makeup on.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Aug. 2025
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And while humans tend to veg out on the couch, canines typically only watch for short periods.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Verb
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The Daily Dividend Earnings season is kicking back into high gear.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
13 Oct. 2025
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Gatlin paid an Atlanta audiovisual contractor $2 million, who then kicked back $1 million to her, according to court records.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Wear them from lounging around the house, going out with friends, or for a quick singing and sesh, like Duff.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
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The elevator opens to the foyer, where 12-foot ceilings and polished stone floors lead into the massive great room, stretching 80 feet long; there’s plenty of room to accommodate a trio of lounging and dining areas.—
Mark David,
Robb Report,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Orion Nebula Those viewing from a dark sky location may also notice a blurry patch of light hanging about 5 degrees below Orion's belt.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
14 Oct. 2025
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The student was found hanging about 50 feet up in a tree with the open chute, Metro Nashville Police Department said on X Saturday.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Right guard Dominick Puni (knee) returned after missing Wednesday’s session, as did running back Christian McCaffrey and left tackle Trent Williams who had that practice off to rest, as usual.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
17 Oct. 2025
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City have four home games in this period, with a trip to Swansea in the Carabao Cup between Gameweek 9 and 10 being a natural opportunity for Pep Guardiola to rest some players.—
Holly Shand,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Get our daily newsletter Yet Mr Schwarzman avoids footling with life’s foot-soldiers for a reason.—
The Economist,
The Economist,
19 Sep. 2019
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Cite this Entry
“Goof-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goof-off. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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